Understand its features and limitations, get set up, and enjoy iCloud!

Updated May 22, 2014

iCloud is a simple idea--all your data on all your devices, via the cloud--that often becomes complex in real-world situations, such as when you want to share your contacts list, or when you want to open a document stored in iCloud in an app other than the one that created it. In this best-selling title from Joe Kissell, you'll start by learning what iCloud can do, how it differs from other cloud services, and what hardware and software you need to use iCloud successfully on Macs, iOS devices, the Apple TV, and Windows-based PCs.

Joe walks you through setting up iCloud (whether you have one or more iCloud accounts), and then explains the key aspects--and hidden gotchas--of iCloud's core features, all while helping you understand what iCloud is trying to do and why it might not match your expectations. Features covered include Apple Store integration, iTunes Match, My Photo Stream, iCloud Photo Sharing, Documents in the Cloud, Mail, Contacts, Calendars, Reminders, browser data, iCloud Keychain, Find My iPhone, Find My Mac, Find My Friends, and backing up and restoring iOS data.You'll be flying high with iCloud as you learn how to use:

iTunes and App Stores: Turn on automatic downloads so that the music, apps, and ebooks that you buy from Apple can appear automatically on all your devices. Also, re-download deleted items if they are still available.

Documents in the Cloud: Save a file "within" an app and then have it available on multiple Apple devices almost instantly. Plus consider the possibilities for apps that can now share data through iCloud. For example, Apple's Podcasts app can sync playback positions and custom stations between devices.

Joe Kissell

Joe Kissell has written numerous books about the Macintosh, including many popular Take Control ebooks. He's also Senior Editor of TidBITS and a Senior Contributor to Macworld, and previously spent ten years in the Mac software industry.